s, on seeing
us do this, understood what we wanted, and immediately the whole
community were busy at work, bringing up posts, and placing them as we
directed. They even pulled down three or four huts which stood near,
the materials of which were suited to our purpose. The women worked
away as well as the men; and thus, with so many willing hands, in a
short time we had a fortification erected, which, though not very
strong, was sufficiently so to resist the attack of a party of naked
savages. We encouraged them by explaining that our guns might do good
service in their defence. By degrees we had formed a complete
half-circle, the ends resting on the igarape.

As there still appeared to be time, we thought it better to fortify the
water side also. The people seemed clearly to understand our object.

The evening was now drawing on. I was afraid that Ellen might become
anxious at our non-appearance. I saw that something was on Arthur's
mind. He came up to me.

"Harry," he said, "I do not wish to alarm you unnecessarily, but it has
just occurred to me that the savages may have made a circuit, and found
their way to our camp. Would it not be wise to go there in the canoe;
you and Duppo, for instance, and leave John and I to assist these
people?"

"Oh no! I cannot desert John," I answered. "But what a dreadful
thought! No; you must go, Arthur, and take them off in the canoe; or,
as the canoe cannot carry you all, load the raft, and tow it out into
the river. The risk is great, but anything will be better than falling
into the hands of the savages."

"I will do as you wish," said Arthur; "but I do not like running away
from the post of the chief danger."

"Why, Arthur, you see you could do but little with your bow," I
answered; "John and I will stay with our guns. But I do not suppose the
savages have gone round that way; for recollect there is the lagoon to
pass, which must compel them to make a wide circuit; and I do not see
how they can know anything about our camp. Still, I wish you could go
to Ellen, and tell her what a strong fortification we have thrown up,
and that there is really no cause to be alarmed."

I must confess, however, that all the time I was speaking I felt
fearfully anxious.

At that moment, two or three bigger boys, who had gone out as scouts
into the forest, came running back, and shouting out to the people. The
next instant, men, women, and children rushed into the enclosure l